Jancelot Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Howdy. Finally getting around to my TD build. I made a deal with my wife that I'd wait until we had a house with a garage and proper workbench. That day has come. Troopermaster armor is in the States and will be in my hands soon. In the meantime I've started on my pack. It's a mix of Dirty Boy and Crashmann parts. I'm targeting Sergeant Roadblock v2 with Pack #2. My time is tight so progress will be deliberate. But here's my start from this past week. Already need to go back and do some work on the cistern. Was overzealous with my painting and missed the detail work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildcardz Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 Nice Chris!! I want a work bench too.... How long did it take you to do all those armors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trooper1 Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 Awesome! Can't wait to watch this build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 8, 2014 Author Share Posted July 8, 2014 Thanks! My build times are pretty long as I like to dig in on detail and my time is limited. I'd say each one has averaged a year and half. TM brown box will be picked up from FedEx tonight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vecspeed12 Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 Nice Chris! I didnt know you were building a TD. Awesome!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 9, 2014 Author Share Posted July 9, 2014 Hey Joey! Yeah, it's the last of the original trilogy troopers which has been a long-term goal. Obligatory brown box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trooper1 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Very cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 9, 2014 Author Share Posted July 9, 2014 Couldn't resist. Arms in progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 Arms sized and trimmed. Ready for gluing. TM pieces on the sides with an AP in the middle for comparison (it's my clean suit). Although not necessary, I prefer to add inside strips as well. It effectively doubles the assembly time, but gives me warm fuzzy peace of mind. Inside biceps in progress (more clamps arriving tomorrow to speed the process). I already have a TM bucket I've been wearing with my clean suit. Time to convert to TD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 How does this brow placement look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vf2112 Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 Looks like the start of a beauty mate! Good luck brother Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 looking great man!!! your in good hands out there in Cali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 15, 2014 Author Share Posted July 15, 2014 It's the Spanish Inquisition for white plastic. Biceps done tomorrow, forearm inner strips started, torso work commenced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 Biceps complete and on to gluing the final outer cover strips on the forearms. Started on the snaps and picked up some elastic for the strapping today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 20, 2014 Author Share Posted July 20, 2014 Milestone crossed. All major upper torso pieces assembled. Transferred straps from my TK for initial fitting. Final trimming and sanding, belt, and bicep hooks, and strap fabrication are up next. TKBoots I've had in storage awaiting this project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vf2112 Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 Oooow! I can see why your going TD AWEFULLY white isn't it Stil ....**** pretty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 Slow progress this week due to RL. I'm away this weekend as well. But I did make progress on the belt and started work on the shins. If anyone needs some Chicago screws I have 90 extra of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beast05 Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 Hey there , nice work. I to have begun the strapping part of my build and having a heck of a time trying to make the snap thru the ABS. I have bought the pliers , pre drill holes and about to give on it and go Velcro.. Any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 27, 2014 Author Share Posted July 27, 2014 Hey Dave. A few notes that made it easier for me. 1. Countersink your holes so the pole part of the snap sits snugger. 2. I found the pliers to be okay, but difficult to get consistent results. Switching to a setter/anvil combo was night and day for ease, efficiency, and accuracy. 3. Once the snaps are set, use a heat gun to push the edges down so the ABS sits flush to the surface. Example here. You can also custom shape pieces as needed. Then glue. 4. I considered just using webbing or a thick cloth for my base as well. I did use that for the shoulders and it's very sturdy and forms to the surface completely. I know some use it for all of their snaps. You can also go original strapping and forego snaps altogether. I personally don't care for it, though. Snaps done right have never failed me and I enjoy the flexibility of being able to easily disassemble the torso. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 Torso test fit. Note, I do not have side strapping. I was anticipating having to shim the sides like my AP, but I'm pleasantly surprised at how much more room there is in a TM. I was pushing the limits of AP at 6' and 185. I already have noted several adjustments (including shortening the shoulder straps and bringing the forearms up about 1/2"), but let me know what you all think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted August 3, 2014 Author Share Posted August 3, 2014 I've been squirreling away some big guns over the years as well. Hoping to have a full armory display at the near future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted August 5, 2014 Author Share Posted August 5, 2014 Minor progress tonight. Cut out sniper plate baking and glued the internal shims on the greaves. Not pictured, but I installed the split rivets this past weekend as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millenium1 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Very nice Christopher I have just finished my TM TD build and have begun my weathering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancelot Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 Nice! You're build looks great. Looking forward to seeing it properly dirty. Greaves complete save the elastic and hook. I ordered the wrong size hooks. Thighs underway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millenium1 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 Superb work Christopher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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